The joy was infectious and the turnout impressive. It was one of the most remarkable outings of the Dideolu Specialist Hospital (DSH) in recent time. The hospital in a collaborative effort with the Centre for Epidemiology and Health Development (CEHD) and supported by Pathcare Laboratories has concluded a four-day free community health screening and enlightenment programme.
The free health screening and enlightenment campaign, which was held at the Dideolu Specialist Hospital, Ikenne, OgunState, had as its beneficiaries members of the Ikenne community and environs. The event, which started on Wednesday, June 29, lasted through to Saturday.
Medical specialists and professionals who came from far and near had prolonged sessions of consultations with both young and old individuals who visited the hospital while the free medical care programme lasted.
On Saturday, which was the last day of the exercise, beneficiaries told Sunday Tribune of the immense benevolence of the management of the hospital, just as they prayed that the good work would continue.
For Comrade Adedoyin Adesina, first vice president of Ikenne Development Association, the exercise was laudable.
“This is great. Many people who visited here during the exercise can testify to the generosity of the management. People travelled from far and near to access this fantastic offer. I equally came around to have myself checked.
“The specialists are indeed experts in their fields. I salute the organisers and I pray that God will continue to enlarge their coast. I must also add that the free screening and enlightenment was not restricted to the poor, even the rich and the middle class were allowed to come. We want this gesture to continue. We are indeed grateful,” he said.
Speaking in the same vein, another beneficiary of the free health care, Chief Sola Odumosu, was quick to add that “I can only pray that God will continue to bless the organisers. There are many people out there who are unable to have access to qualitative consultation. This is because of the cost implication. But to have Dideolu Specialist Hospital bring in these specialists and at no cost to us, it is wonderful.
“I came here and was attended to. I know my medical status and I am very grateful for the privilege. This should continue.”
While thanking the consultants, specialists and guests who made the exercise a reality, Medical Director, Dideolu Specialist Hospital, Dr (Mrs) Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, could not hide her joy, just as she gave certificates of appreciation to members of the medical community and a host of others who supported the gesture.
“I don’t know how to begin to thank you all for the dedication and love that you demonstrated while this exercise lasted. I can’t thank enough the specialists and all who came to support us. This programme became a success because of you. There is no single person that I had to dissipate so much energy to convince. It was just a conversation. The people who made this possible are consultants of no mean standing. I believe that those who are beneficiaries of this outing will forever be grateful. God will reward you abundantly,” she said.
While praising the efforts of members of staff of the hospital, she solicited their continued display of professionalism and selflessness.
According to her, “Members of Dideolu Specialist Hospital, you surprised me. Now that we have started, the sky is not the limit. This dream must not die. The purpose of holding this programme has been achieved substantially.”
Chairman, African Newspapers of Nigeria Plc, Reverend (Mrs) Tola Oyediran, prayed that the efforts put into the exercise would continued to be fruitful.
Chief among the specialists who attended to the beneficiaries include Dr Tolulope Adewole, Executive Director, Pathcare Laboratories; Dr Tochi Okwor, Centre for Epidemiology and Health Development (CEHD); Dr Olajide Sobande of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, among many others.
Others who also came included Professor Akin Osibogun, Professor Adefule Ositele, Dr Olalekan Makinde, Dr Oluwatoyin Salawu and Dr Adenuga Bukola.
and then